I guess I would consider myself to be a fairly liberal Conservative, for when I read the section of chapter 5 entitled "Muggles for Harry Potter," I found myself continually rolling my eyes at the extreme views of the Fundamentalist Christians (FC) fighting like hell against the distribution and consumption of the ideas and subjects of the Harry Potter series. I realize, after reading the entire chapter, that it seems as though the reasons FC hold as to why they are so against the story result in their having absolutely no faith (no pun intended) in their Christian brethren. FC essentially believe that people are not capable of distinguishing harmful and evil concepts that lead to darkness from FICTION. Some fear that exposure will prevent children from being "able to distinguish fact and fantasy" (Convergence Culture 201). However, lack of exposure to a fantastical world will prevent children from identifying that there is a distinction between the two in the first place. FC discuss Harry Potter paraphernalia as "lures and doorways to deeper involvement with the accult" (202). The main problem with this is the loss of faith in, well, faith - the idea that God will lead one out of darkness if one believes.
I am so thankful for the subsequent section, "What Would Jesus Do with Harry Potter" (209-216). Showing Christians as actually appreciating the message that Harry Potter provides to children and adults alike sheds light on an important group of much less extremists. Many Christian groups have even embraced the series, allowing Harry and his friends to play out important moral lessons for people. Embracing the story is imperative because, to be honest, Harry Potter is not going anywhere any time soon. It is so ingrained into people's lives that to try and separate oneself from it is naive and pointless.
Jenkins missed a major point, though, in this chapter. That is, the entire plot of the Harry Potter series revolves around Harry and his friends fighting and ultimately defeating Voldemort. While I am not necessarily saying that the book is a satire for the ongoing battle between right and wrong, good and evil, the motivation for the story most certainly revolves around the dichotomy and juxtaposition of the two. No FC can ignore that the ultimate message and outcome of the book are positive ones - good triumphs over evil, and the world is a better and peaceful place.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Spoiled Bachelor
It all started about a week before the premiere of the newest season of The Bachelor. I walked into the kitchen of the restaurant at which I work (El Arroyo - come visit me), and the manager on duty and another server were talking excitedly: I can't believe you are waiting on the bachelor! Brad Womack is so hot! (and every possible combination/variation). My response: Who? Who's Brad Whatshisname? I had never watched The Bachelor and, therefore, had no idea about the controversy surrounding this year's stud, for he is a repeat charmer.
After that point, I vowed to watch the show to see what all the hype was about. But with the end of break and the start of a new semester, my personal promise fell by the wayside. It wasn't until one of my friends leaned over and said, "I know who wins The Bachelor" to a group of my friends that my interest was once again peaked. At first, I didn't care that she was going to ruin the entire season of a show I do not watch. But, when some girls were disgusted to learn who gets the final rose, I began watching the show, critically analyzing Brad's and the girls' personalities, trying to discern the reason for the displeasure of my friends.
This anecdote parallels Henry Jenkins' explanation of Spoiling Survivor perfectly. First, people are upset by having their favorite show essentially ruined. But, making the best of a sour situation, they invest their time and interest on learning how the events and elimination/rose ceremonies unfold, rather than merely focusing on the results. People are so emotionally invested in these shows with characters they feel they know, though have never actually met, that they can't emotionally afford to just drop the show, they must change the experience for themselves and alter how they view the show in order to continue to get out of the series the equivalent of the time and energy that they invest in the show.
After that point, I vowed to watch the show to see what all the hype was about. But with the end of break and the start of a new semester, my personal promise fell by the wayside. It wasn't until one of my friends leaned over and said, "I know who wins The Bachelor" to a group of my friends that my interest was once again peaked. At first, I didn't care that she was going to ruin the entire season of a show I do not watch. But, when some girls were disgusted to learn who gets the final rose, I began watching the show, critically analyzing Brad's and the girls' personalities, trying to discern the reason for the displeasure of my friends.
This anecdote parallels Henry Jenkins' explanation of Spoiling Survivor perfectly. First, people are upset by having their favorite show essentially ruined. But, making the best of a sour situation, they invest their time and interest on learning how the events and elimination/rose ceremonies unfold, rather than merely focusing on the results. People are so emotionally invested in these shows with characters they feel they know, though have never actually met, that they can't emotionally afford to just drop the show, they must change the experience for themselves and alter how they view the show in order to continue to get out of the series the equivalent of the time and energy that they invest in the show.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Cybersubculture Choices
Foursquare - I chose this site because I recently joined it, and the concept seems very interesting and different. I am not very "into it" yet, but this assignment will allow/force me to delve into all its characteristics.
MySpace - I have had a MySpace since high school. But I haven't really used it at all since I've been in college. I spend more of my time with FaceBook now. Apparently MySpace has revamped its site, going back to its roots from what I understand. It is not trying to compete with FaceBook anymore (good move) and is focusing in on the entertainment aspect that made it so popular and successful from the start. I am excited to explore its new site and concept.
MySpace - I have had a MySpace since high school. But I haven't really used it at all since I've been in college. I spend more of my time with FaceBook now. Apparently MySpace has revamped its site, going back to its roots from what I understand. It is not trying to compete with FaceBook anymore (good move) and is focusing in on the entertainment aspect that made it so popular and successful from the start. I am excited to explore its new site and concept.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
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